The internet is an encyclopedia for interview tips, and it’s overwhelming to follow every single one. Many of them sound somewhat like this:
“First, practice your handshake. It’ll tell them everything about you. Also, know everything about the company. EVERYTHING. Interviewers can smell fear, so don’t be scared..”
There are things you should definitely do in an interview and things you should definitely not do. Using my own experience and help from the internet, I’ve compiled a list of both so you have just one list to help you instead of thousands.
The six big “dos”
- Arrive on time and dress appropriately
Leave extra early for wherever you’re going, and make sure you know how to get there. Dress professional (overdressed is much better than underdressed), and ladies, if you’re worried about skirt length, go for pants.
- Research the company
Let them know you care and that you’re interested in the company. No need to memorize every tiny detail; Show them you know what the company does, how they do it and maybe throw in a specific thing you read about them.
- Be prepared
Review a few common interview questions and think of how to answer them. Also, bring a binder with your resume, cover letter and the internship’s description, along with a few samples of work. You’ll really stand out from the rest when you whip out a copy of that awesome press release you wrote.
- Be honest
If they ask if you have a specific skill and you don’t, please don’t lie. Tell them you can learn how to do it and give them an example of a similar skill you have.
- Be enthusiastic
Smile, engage them, be charming and laugh. This will set you miles apart from those who can’t even look an interviewer in the eyes.
- Ask a few questions
They say the worst thing to say when an interviewer asks if you have questions is, “Nope!” This is true. Ask two or three solid, thoughtful questions and you’re golden.
This is how you’ll look and feel by following the 6 “dos”!
The six big“do nots”:
- Don’t be egotistical
Being egotistical is annoying to most people, especially interviewers. Monster.com advices to tell them what you can do, but not to overdo it.
“Even if you’re putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved,” says Carole Martin from Monster.com
- Don’t talk bad about anyone
Erika Anderson from Forbes agrees that it’s a bad idea to speak poorly about your last boss, a coworker, professor and so on. For the duration of your interview, your boss and everyone you’ve worked with are great, no matter how untrue that statement may be.
- Don’t talk too much
This is one I struggle with. Tell them how your skills match the company, but don’t go overboard with details. Don’t try to answer too many questions at once!
- Don’t keep your cell phone on
This one is easy! Turn it off and tuck it away before you meet your interviewer. This is one small step for you, and one giant leap for not getting an awkward phone call during your interview.
- Don’t discuss money
It’s tempting, I know, but just hold off on this one. It’s expected you won’t discuss this until you’re offered the position, so bringing it up at your interview will be awkward.
- Don’t drive yourself nuts
You will go in, talk with some people, then leave after about 30 minutes. You will survive with your body intact, and you may even get an internship from it. With preparation, there’s no need to freak out!
See this guy? He’s freaking out. Interviewers won’t like it if you freak out.
How did your internship interview go? Do you have more tips to add to these lists? Comment and share this blog with others to keep the conversation going!
Links:
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/boost-your-interview-
iqhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/erikaandersen/2014/06/03/please-dont-do-these-9-things-in-an-interview/#3f803757a34e
Images
All are free use, public domain, no attribution required from Pixabay.com
Handshake: https://pixabay.com/en/handshake-hand-give-business-man-2056023/
professional people: https://pixabay.com/en/business-people-teamwork-team-2089530/
Guy who won’t interview well because he’s freaking out: https://pixabay.com/en/business-man-male-person-people-1302849/